Where was Red Eye shot? Revisiting key filming locations of the Hulu series

Red Eye was shot across varied and dynamic locations, enhancing its high-stakes international thriller vibe. The interior scenes aboard the flight from London to Beijing were filmed inside an actual decommissioned plane, not a set. Secondly, London Stansted Airport was another filming location that stood apart for featuring real passengers and atmosphere.

Black Sound Studio of London was also used for all he indoor location post-flight scenes. Here are the key filming locations revisited from the Hulu (and ITV) series Red Eye.

Where was Red Eye shot? Revisiting key filming locations

As mentioned, the makers actually used an aircraft to shoot scenes featuring the flight from London to Beijing. The crew had to work within tight, non-removable spaces, with doors manually closed during takes. Special camera rigs were developed to navigate the narrow aisles for smooth, continuous shots. The business class cabin became the main filming space for over five to six weeks.

The six-part thriller, Red Eye, stars Richard Armitage as British doctor Matthew Nolan, who finds himself suddenly accused of manslaughter by Chinese authorities. Accompanying him on the long-haul flight to face justice is DC Hana Li, played by Jing Lusi, whose calm exterior masks growing doubts and internal conflict.

Lusi, while speaking with Radio Times, recalled how they weren't sure about the space they were going to shoot.

"Before we started filming, we weren't too sure how the space was going to work because it wasn't a purpose-built set where you can remove the walls for cameras, it was a real plane," explained Lusi.

In London Stansted Airport, which depicted Heathrow Airport, filming happened among real passengers without shutting the airport down. Scenes like Matthew Nolan’s escape attempt were shot in live environments, creating an almost flashmob-like effect. Unpredictability due to real flight schedules added to the spontaneity of performances.

“There were about 150 supporting artists around Richard, and everyone else was a real passenger... Richard was yelling like a crazy guy, and people dressed as armed police swooped in.” explained Lusi.

Next, in Black Sound Studio, the decommissioned aircraft was housed. According to the crew, the innovative use of space and lighting helped them achieve what they wanted.

"I believed everything I was looking at, and it was always a surprise to me after a take when they opened the doors and we walked down the steps into a black sound studio, it really felt like we were in the air," said Armitage.

London was a major shoot location for the show as various street scenes and background moments were filmed in central and Greater London to represent the UK side of the plot.

However, according to reports, it’s unclear whether any scenes were filmed on location in China or recreated in the UK. This suggests that the makers have mostly used set design and CGI to create Beijing exteriors or courtroom recreations in Red Eye.

Some other prominent locations the show features are Lambeth Bridge, while the scenes involving Dunsfold Aerodrome were shot in Dunsfold Park in Cranleigh, Surrey. The hospital was located in the Mary Seacole Building at Brunel University in Uxbridge, while the Chinese embassy featured is situated in London’s BMA House.

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Therefore, we can say that the production of Red Eye wasn’t just a technical feat, but an adrenaline-charged, immersive experience for both the cast and crew. With special equipment made for the set involving compact spaces to innovative lighting which replicated the feeling of flying in the air, the Hulu show has indeed pushed the traditional boundaries of Television series.

Catch Red Eye on Hulu, season 1 premiered on 22 July 2025.

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